Spring 2022 | BOOK iT
A rustically elegant guest room with a balcony and queen beds.
Boulder Boutique
Charlevoix’s new rock star, Hotel Earl, boldly honors an historic local builder’s distinctive design style
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was purchased by Silva Property Management. After an investment of more than $5 million, the dated structure was transformed into an elegant, three-story, 56-room boutique hotel. The massive boulder at the entrance, which has welcomed guests for generations, stands just as proudly as it always has, with a new neon sign that reads Hotel Earl — a tribute to the visionary builder. Located on U.S. 131 just steps northeast of Charlevoix’s famed drawbridge and across the road from Stafford’s Weathervane Inn (built by Young in 1955), the Hotel Earl has become a friendly gathering place for locals
and visitors. Towering floor-to-ceiling windows, horizontal rooflines, and private balconies give Hotel Earl a fresh, urban look, while rock accent walls and the restored “Witch’s Hat” conical tower caps keep Young’s storybook architectural legacy alive. The check-in area and Lobby Lounge are adorned with rich wood tones and accents, along with vibrant splashes of color, while whimsical furniture and décor add to the hotel’s charm. The bar, which is open to the public, serves tasty light fare as well as handcrafted cocktails and a selection of Michigan
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOTEL EARL
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century ago, Charlevoix architect Earl Young first began moving rocks and boulders of all shapes, sizes, and colors, turning them into a series of unique homes, inns, and lodges that remain a foundation of this Lake Michigan shoreline community. Back in 1959, the Michigan native opened the Weathervane Lodge — affectionally called “The Lodge” — a two-story, 36-room complex designed in the Mid-century Modern style. In 2018, the historic and well-worn motel
By Dianna Stampfler
MiCHigAn BLUE
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3/9/22 1:38 PM
